For nearly ten years the Holleys with a group of dedicated volunteers have followed the ideals of the motto by providing special events for children and giving scholarships to students. One of the primary ministries is assisting special needs children and presenting scholarships to those planning to work with those with special needs. On November 8, 2015 scholarships were awarded to Mary Aultman Hurley who attends Mississippi State College with plans to work with children and Cathy Olivia Piccillo who plans to attend Gwinnett Tech enrolling in the Culinary Arts program there.
EDDIE OAKES HONORED
Lawrenceville native Eddie Oakes has volunteered in many areas in his hometown. Eddie is a Korean War Veteran, a former city council member and well known for his enthusiastic support of the local VFW and the American Legion. Eddie is a past commander of the American Legion and past quartermaster. He spearheaded the sending of Christmas packages to Gwinnett men serving in the military overseas and one year 61 packages were sent to men serving overseas. Eddie also was instrumental in the “Voice of Democracy” competition for high school students who entered a speech contest on the subject of democracy in America. In 1972 Gwinnett had a district winner in the “Voice of America” competition. Eddie’s consistent support of his hometown has left an indelible impression on this community. Eddie was recently recognized by the American Legion for his contributions to the organization, especially the restoration of the charter.
Robert Norton and his family attended the Historical Society showing of the CD recording of his WWII POW time. Robert was available for questions by the audience.
ROBERT NORTON POW
Robert Norton was in the Air Force during WWII and when his plane was hit by German fire he and the crew bailed out and were taken prisoners by the Germans. Robert was interviewed by John Sammon and his experiences as a German POW were recorded on a CD which was played for the Gwinnett Historical Society on November 16, 2015.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CLOTHING MISSION VOLUNTEERS
The clothing mission at the Lawrenceville First Baptist Church has been open for about thirty years and it welcomes customers daily and on Saturdays.
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS
Louise Justice, resident of Extended Care in Lawrenceville was happy to see a volunteer bring her a beautiful floral arrangement.
Noah Pescitelli awarded scholarship at Savannah College of Art and Design
Noah’s grandfather Billy Kerlin began taking him fishing when he was three years old and Noah has been fishing ever since that time, often taking first place in fishing tournaments throughout the country and Noah’s love of the sport of fishing has grown through the years. Noah now hosts his own television fishing show that he named “Kickin’ their Bass.” He has been rewarded for his dedication to his chosen sport—a Fishing Scholarship. Noah’s grandparents Pat and Billy Kerlin with his parents Steve and Patti Pescitelli spend countless hours travelling around the country with Noah as he competes in tournaments. Noah is a consistent winner.
A group of fishermen and old friends gathered at the Buford Civic Center on November 20 to celebrate Noah’s scholarship acceptance. Isaac Payne head coach of men’s and women’s fishing at Savannah College of Art and Design brought the official scholarship documents for Noah to sign as his proud parents, grandparents, aunt, fishing buddies and friends witnessed the event.
Noah, his parents Patti and Steve Pescitelli and Isaac Payne Head Coach Men’s and Women’s Fishing teams at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Noah’s dad Steve Pescitelli told about tournaments that he has attended with his son. Steve is allergic to fish and has problems if he even comes in contact with one but his pride in Noah’s accomplishments has kept Steve persevering in spite of his allergy. Several of Noah’s fishing buddies spoke of Noah’s determination, dedication and enjoyment of his chosen sport. Robbie Kennedy took Noah out on his first fishing trip from a big boat on Lake Lanier and that gave Noah new incentive to keep on fishing for bass, Noah was in the 8th grade when he fished from a big boat for the first time and he has been on the water almost every weekend since that time. He has excelled in more tournaments than we have room to list in this paper.
Right: Noah with his grandparents Pat and Billy Kerlin.
Noah was described as a man with a good heart, lots of drive and a passion for fishing and learning how to improve his participation in his chosen sport. Noah’s family supports him completely and that was evident as his parents and grandparents spoke of their love for this young man who goes about his sport with quiet dedication. They have watched him grow into a champion who goes about his business with amazing determination.
Noah is a senior at Mill Creek High School in Gwinnett County and will begin his freshman year at SCAD in the fall of 2016. Noah will be on a 6 man fishing team and will enter tournaments with the team throughout the country.
